Southwest Minnesota State University has a major impact on the academics, businesses and rural communities throughout the southwestern Minn. region. Considering the impact that SMSU has upon this region, one must consider the economic implications that are affected by this university.

In a recent study by Wilder Research, the economic status of the university in this region has shown positive results overall. The study was conducted in the counties of Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood and Rock.

The study results show that SMSU’s impact on the regional community is around $141 million dollars and has created 1,898 jobs.

“This report further validates the importance of SMSU to the regional community and the impact that our students, faculty and staff have on our local economies.  The people of this region are very generous supporters of SMSU and this is another instrument that shows how we give back to the region beyond providing quality educational opportunities,” Bill Mulso, vice-president for advancement and foundation executive director, said.

SMSU also generates $8 million dollars in tax revenue for the state and local government. It also shows results of how graduates of the university are affected and also how the community is affected.

“This study provides a snapshot of the impact that SMSU has in the southwest region on an annual basis.  The dollars that flow through the economic, the primary sectors that we impact, the jobs that are a result of the university and the tax revenues that are generated for our local and state governments are all highlighted in this report,” Mulso said.

SMSU has a total enrollment of around 3,700 students.